How to Choose an Acrylic Floating Frame

Choosing the perfect acrylic floating frame is a straightforward process. The global picture frame market is a massive $7.8 billion industry in 2024. You can navigate it easily. Your decision boils down to four key considerations.

Tip 💡: Following these steps in order ensures you cover all the important details for a flawless result.

You will make a great choice by focusing on these areas:

1. Measuring your art correctly
2. Selecting the right acrylic type
3. Choosing your mounting hardware
4. Matching the frame to your style

Measure Your Art for a Perfect Fit

Accurate measurements are the foundation of a professional display. First, you need to identify your artwork type. A face-mount frame sandwiches a print between two acrylic panels. A canvas float frame creates a gap between the canvas edge and the frame, making it appear to levitate.

Sizing for Prints and Photos

You will measure your print or photo first. Then, you add a clear border around it. This border creates the signature floating effect. Most designs automatically add a standard 2-inch clear border to each side of the artwork. This space is also necessary for the mounting hardware. For a bolder look, you can choose a 3 or 4-inch border.

Example: An 8×10 inch print with a 2-inch border will require a 12×14 inch acrylic panel.

Here are some common print sizes to help you get started:

Print Size	Aspect Ratio
4×6 inches	3:2
5×7 inches	3.5:2.5
8×10 inches	5:4

Sizing for Canvas Artwork

Choosing a size for canvas is simpler. The frame size should match your canvas dimensions exactly. If you have a 16×20 inch canvas, you need a 16×20 inch float frame. The frame will have a slightly larger opening to create the float space.

For a polished look, you should paint the sides of your canvas.

• Black or Payne’s Grey: These colors create a classic, sharp edge.
• Neutral Gray: A gray that blends with the painting offers a softer transition.
• Continue the Painting: Extending your artwork around the sides provides a seamless, gallery-quality finish.

Common canvas sizes include:

• Small: 8×10 inches
• Medium: 16×20 inches
• Large: 24×36 inches

Account for Artwork Depth

You must also measure your canvas’s depth. This ensures it sits correctly within the frame’s rabbet, or inner groove.

• Standard Stretched Canvas: Usually 3/4 inch to 1 inch deep.
• Gallery-Wrapped Canvas: Thicker, often around 1.5 inches deep.

Measure the thickness of your canvas. Then, choose a frame with a rabbet depth that is slightly deeper. This allows your artwork’s surface to sit flush with the front of the frame, achieving the perfect floating presentation.

Select the Right Acrylic Floating Frame

After measuring, you will choose the acrylic itself. The material you select impacts your artwork’s longevity and viewing experience. Considering different frame styles and materials is a key part of choosing the right frame.

Standard vs. UV-Protective Acrylic

Your first choice is between standard and UV-protective acrylic. Standard acrylic is clear and durable. UV-protective acrylic contains special absorbers that shield your art from harmful light. This protection prevents fading and yellowing over time.

Did You Know? 💡 UV radiation can cause irreversible damage to prints and photos. A UV-protective acrylic floating frame acts as a powerful shield.

The differences are significant for long-term display.

Feature	UV-Resistant Acrylic	Standard Acrylic
UV Protection	Absorbs harmful UV radiation	Offers minimal UV protection
Clarity	Resists yellowing and hazing	Can yellow or cloud over time
Artwork Safety	Prevents photo-oxidative degradation	Allows polymer chains to break down

Non-Glare and Museum Options

You can upgrade your float frame for even better viewing and protection. Non-glare options reduce reflections in brightly lit rooms. For the highest quality, you should consider museum-grade acrylic.

• Optium Museum Acrylic offers the best of all worlds. It provides up to 99% UV protection.
• It also has exceptional clarity, with over 92% light transmission and less than 1% haze. This makes your artwork appear crystal clear.

These premium options ensure your art is the center of attention, not the reflection on the glass.

Choose the Correct Thickness

The thickness of your acrylic float frame affects its rigidity. Thicker sheets are more durable and less flexible.

• 1/8 inch (3mm): This is a great choice for smaller frames and photos. It is lightweight and offers good clarity.
• 3/16 inch (4.5mm): You should use this for medium-sized pieces. It provides a good balance of strength and weight.
• 1/4 inch (6mm): For a large acrylic floating frame, this thickness offers high rigidity and prevents bowing.

Choosing the correct thickness ensures your artwork remains secure and looks professional on the wall.

Choose Your Mounting Hardware

Your mounting hardware does more than just hang your frame. It is a key design element that completes the look. You will select hardware that secures your art and complements your style.

Standoff Bolts and Finishes

Standoff bolts are the classic choice for acrylic floating frames. These small metal cylinders go through holes in the acrylic corners. They create a space between the panel and the wall, enhancing the floating effect. You can choose from several popular finishes to match your decor.

• Polished Chrome: Offers a bright, modern shine.
• Matte Black: Provides a sleek, contemporary contrast.
• Brushed Brass: Adds a touch of warm, elegant sophistication.
• Stainless Steel: Delivers a clean, durable, and timeless look.

Tip 💡: Match your hardware finish to other metal accents in your room, like light fixtures or furniture legs. You can also pull a color from your artwork for a perfectly coordinated display.

Cleat and Cable System Alternatives

While standoffs are popular, you have other options. A French cleat system uses interlocking brackets to hang the frame. This method hides all the hardware for a seamless, truly “floating” appearance. Cable systems suspend the frame from the ceiling or wall, creating a unique and airy installation.

To help you decide between the two most secure methods, compare their features:

Feature	French Cleat	Standoff Bolts
Pros	Very secure, easy to level, supports heavy frames	Stylish, contemporary look, secure, stable, easy removal/repositioning
Cons	Requires precise installation, not for small frames	Requires drilling through acrylic, more time-consuming to install

A French cleat is excellent for heavy pieces where you want a hardware-free look. Standoff bolts offer a more industrial, modern style and are a stable choice for any size of artwork. Your choice depends on the final aesthetic you want to achieve.

How to Choose a Frame to Match Your Style

The final step is to ensure your frame choice enhances both your artwork and your room’s decor. Choosing the right frame connects your art to your personal space. A great frame style makes the art feel like it truly belongs.

Complement Your Artwork’s Medium

The clear, minimalist design of an acrylic frame complements most art mediums. It lets the artwork speak for itself. For delicate pieces like watercolor paintings, acrylic is a superior choice over glass. It is lighter and offers enhanced UV protection, which is crucial for preventing the vibrant pigments from fading. Using a UV-filtering acrylic ensures your art’s color neutrality is maintained for years.

Mixed-media art often has unique textures and dimensions. It requires specialized framing to showcase its character. You have a couple of excellent options:

• Float Mounting: This technique makes your art appear to hover inside the frame. It is ideal for pieces with textured surfaces or uneven edges.
• Shadow Box Frames: These deep frames create an enclosed space. They are perfect for three-dimensional objects and thicker mixed-media pieces.

Consider Your Wall and Decor

You should also consider your existing decor. The goal is to choose a frame that feels like a natural part of your home. An acrylic frame’s hardware is a great way to tie everything together. The hardware’s frame color can match other metal finishes in the room.

“The magic of true Bohemian interior design happens when these elements – furniture, layout, and accessories – work together to create spaces that feel both curated and comfortable.” – Andreea Dima, Interior Designer

Different frame styles and materials can create a specific mood. You can match your frame to your room’s theme for a cohesive look.

Frame Style	Best For Decor	Ideal Art Pairings
Natural Wood	Scandinavian, Rustic	Botanical prints, landscape photos
Patterned Metal	Industrial, Vintage	Black and white photography, vintage posters
Macrame or Woven	Bohemian, Coastal bohemian	Textile art, dreamcatchers, nature prints

This approach helps you create a display that feels both intentional and effortlessly stylish.

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You now have the framework to select the perfect acrylic floating frame. Remember the four key steps:

1. Measure your artwork.
2. Select the right acrylic.
3. Choose your mounting hardware.
4. Match the frame to your style.

You can confidently find a cost-effective and beautiful acrylic floating frame for your space. Many customers find it is a great, shatterproof alternative to glass. Go ahead and create a stunning display for your art!

FAQ

How do you clean an acrylic frame?

You should clean your acrylic frame with a soft microfiber cloth. Use a cleaner made specifically for acrylic or a simple mix of mild soap and water. Avoid using paper towels or harsh chemicals like ammonia. These can scratch the surface or cause clouding.

Is acrylic better than glass for framing?

Acrylic offers several advantages over glass. It is much lighter and more shatter-resistant, making it safer to handle and hang. You will also find that acrylic provides superior UV protection. This feature is essential for preserving your artwork’s colors from fading over time.

Can you hang a heavy acrylic frame on drywall?

Yes, you can hang heavy frames on drywall with the right support. You must use appropriate wall anchors designed for the frame’s weight. For maximum security, locate a wall stud and drill directly into it. This provides the strongest possible hold for your art.

What if your artwork is an unusual shape?

You can still use an acrylic floating frame for unusually shaped art. Many companies offer custom-cut acrylic panels to fit your piece’s exact dimensions. This ensures you get the same beautiful floating effect, no matter the shape of your artwork.

See Also

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